BK14 in pocket sheath, Connecticut?

Aias

Aias

Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
5,188
Hello all,

I'll be making a trip to Westport and Norwalk, Connecticut, soon and am trying to figure out if I can carry my BK14 in a pocket sheath. I read the state laws and some older threads here, but still have a few questions--would it count as a dirk or dagger. Of course, officially no, but I prefer to err on the side of caution. Nonetheless, I also prefer not to travel with expensive folders--the 14 takes care of nearly all my needs. So, what do you say?

Any help is great!
 
Connecticut's laws generally are fine with knives that are single edged and have less than a 4" sharpened edge. "Dirk" and "stiletto" historically have been applied to double-edged knives.

It is worth noting that the state does not care if it's concealed or carried openly. It's either legal to carry or it's not.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2014/sup/chap_943.htm#sec_53-206

The law also contains a few exceptions worth noting:
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to
...
(3) the carrying of a knife, the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or more in length, by
...
(C) any person while transporting such knife as merchandise or for display at an authorized gun or knife show,
(D) any person who is found with any such knife concealed upon one’s person while lawfully removing such person’s household goods or effects from one place to another, or from one residence to another,
(E) any person while actually and peaceably engaged in carrying any such knife from such person’s place of abode or business to a place or person where or by whom such knife is to be repaired, or while actually and peaceably returning to such person’s place of abode or business with such knife after the same has been repaired,
(F) any person holding a valid hunting, fishing or trapping license issued pursuant to chapter 490 or any salt water fisherman carrying such knife for lawful hunting, fishing or trapping activities, or
(G) any person while participating in an authorized historic reenactment;​
(4) the carrying by any person enrolled in or currently attending, or an instructor at, a martial arts school of a martial arts weapon while in a class or at an authorized event or competition or while transporting such weapon to or from such class, event or competition;
Click to expand...
 
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Glistam, thanks; I've seen this too and hold out some hope that I'll legally be able to carry the 14. I likely would not open carry it, in any case--I've been to those parts before and imagine open belt carry would attract too much unwanted attention. If it was spring/ summer, I could go with the fishing part of the law, since I live to do so; the martial arts part could work as well, since I do train while in town too (though not every class is a weapons class and they use wooden training weapons).

Anyone else have more to add? Thanks in advance.
 
Since it's Sunday and there may be more of you online, I'll try this one again.
 
I'd only add that if you are an adult behaving in a normal, socially courteous and law-abiding manner, the likelihood of a police officer even becoming aware of your knife approaches zero. In 10 years of reading case-law in all 50 states, I've found that weapon charges are almost entirely "tack-on" charges when you're caught breaking other laws. In the rare instances where a ill-tempered cop was just looking for an excuse, the judge typically throws it out (unless it's New York City).

Old essay I wrote on the matter:
http://weaponlaws.wikidot.com/start
 
Thanks again, really. Yes, I'm an adult, dad to three, a professor, and though I live in so cal, I'm a native New Yorker. When in the NYC area, I'll carry a slip joint and use it never. Otherwise , I do not foresee run-ins with LEO. I don't really edc a knife for sd; many years of martial arts training have shown me all the ways to avoid trouble, and in the rarest instances, deal with in. So, I'll likely give it a shot, and carry a slip joint or some othe appropriate folder otherwise. Thanks too for the essay--I'll be sure to read it.

Anthony
 
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